A triumph of marble and plaster, lead glass walls, wrought iron ornaments and mosaics, complete with great marble columns, an imposing staircase and a fairytale ballroom.
This outstanding example of Italian Liberty Style architecture is located in San Pellegrino Terme, the same Alpine village where the S.Pellegrino water comes from, and is one of the most important and beautiful structures of its kind in Europe.
Three spectacular constructions were built between 1901 and 1907 to introduce and enjoy the water sprung from this source: the Thermal Baths, the Grand Hotel and the City Casino, all three conceived by the architect Romolo Squadrelli.
Those were the years when European high society discovered thermal tourism and would move from one wellness capital to another, which triggered the building of hotels, theaters and concert halls to entertain them.
During that time, Europe went through a massive artistic renaissance of strong decorative connotations, with varied styles across countries: Art Nouveau in France, Jugdenstil in Germany, Modernismo in Spain and Liberty Style in Italy.
That’s how San Pellegrino Terme became a “social” and highly-appreciated point of interest.
After years of decline, the thermal baths have been completely restructured and a new center has recently opened next to the original one featuring outdoor panoramic pools, among other attractions. To complete the picture, the casino has also been recently renovated and the Grand Hotel will soon go through its own renovation period.
This Liberty Style gem in San Pellegrino Terme is worth a visit, and one more reason to visit the land where the S.Pellegrino water springs from the mountains and is bottled for your tasting pleasure.